Russell Literary Groups

The Russell Writers are in Session

Beginning January 1st, area writers can log in at http://russellwriters.freeforums.net to join The Russell Writers Online Forum where they can post their writings for critique, read the work of fellow members, and network with other aspiring and established writers. All adult writers are encouraged to join, from the reluctant beginner to the seasoned professional.

The Russell Writers was originally founded in 1998 by Arthur Meyers, Director of the Russell Library and the monthly meetings were led by Patricia I. Terrill Francis until 2014.

We have now decided that participation by group members would be more consistent if the group met online. So now members no longer have to worry about commitments clashing with meeting times or commuting during inclement weather.

In fact, there will be no specific meeting time. Members simply log in to the forum at their own convenience any time of day or night.

2014 Schedule

December 13
Write about something new you learned within the past year, or write about something you plan on learning within the upcoming year.

2015 Schedule

January 10, 2015
Many writers set a New Year's resolution to finish their manuscripts, but last year you had neglected yours. Write an apology letter to your manuscript explaining what happened and how you plan to make it up to the manuscript by the end of this year.

February 14, 2014
Put yourself in the place of a soldier fighting for your country. As you describe how you feel, why are you doing it, and what the people in your platoon are like, suddenly a bomb goes off over head. What happens next?

March 14, 2015
Forrest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get." What is writing like? Write a simile that starts with the phrase, "Writing is like . . ."

April 11, 2015
Write about the best prank you have ever pulled on someone.

May 9, 2015
You overslept and are late for work. Your boss hates over-sleepers, but he does love entertaining stories. Create the most outlandish excuse as to why you were late.

June 13, 2015
Where do you consider your home town and why? If you moved a lot, explain how the frequent moves affected you. How has that experience shaped you today?

July 11, 2015
You're standing next to a phone booth when, suddenly, it rings. Your gut tells you not to answer it, but finally you pick up the phone—and end up having the most amazing night of your life. Write about it.

August 8, 2015
Think about a tough decision you had to make (picking a college, quitting a job, putting a parent in a retirement home, etc.). Now write about a fictional character who was faced with the same situation but chose to make the opposite decision. How did things turn out differently?

September 12, 2015
Walking through a cemetery, you pass the grave of a World War II veteran. Write a scene from his life story.

October 10, 2015
When you were little, you believed that there was a monster under your bed. On the eve of your 30th birthday, you hear noises coming from under your bed. The monster is back and has an important message to deliver to you. Write about it.

November 14, 2015
Write a scene that describes what it's like to stay home sick as a kid. Do you have to stay in bed? On the couch? In front of the TV? Does Mom or Dad stay home with you or are you left alone?

December 12, 2015
Write about the worst present you've ever received. How did you react and what did you do with the gift?